chain reaction

noun

1

a

: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next

b

: a number of events triggered by the same initial event

2

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

chain-react

ˈchān-rē-ˈakt 

intransitive verb

Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

With fewer players on the floor and more space to defend, every possession becomes a chain reaction. —Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026

He’s been heartened to see the chain reaction of other restaurants following suit. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026

This move seemingly kicked off a chain reaction across the upper echelons of luxury brands. —Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

These temperatures set off a chain reaction inside the home. —Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for chain reaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

chain reaction

noun

1

: a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going

2

: a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Medical Definition

chain reaction

noun

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind